1. IMHOF

 

Our International Maritime Hall of Fame Gala was held on May 11 this year. Once again, we had a terrific slate of International Honorees, and tables, ads, and sponsorships were well supported. This annual gala event is our sole fundraising event of the year. This event has truly become a noted annual gala gathering of so many of the senior leadership of our Industry. If you attended, we hope that you enjoyed the evening. If you missed it…we hope we’ll see you next year. Invitations are always sent to all MAPONY/NJ members. The 2017 International Maritime Hall of Fame is presently scheduled for 10 May, 2017, and we are ready to start our search for eminently qualified candidates for next year’s inductees!

 

1. AMERICAS CUP RACE

 

On May 7 and 8, the America’s Cup international sailing race was held in New York Harbor for the first time in nearly a century.

Our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Cttee (HOPs) worked closely with both the USCG and the event sponsor to minimize any adverse impact on commercial navigation during the Race.

 

As usual, the Sector New York USCG folks did a great job, and managed to ensure that the race went as scheduled, with no reported adverse effects to commercial navigation

 

1. MARITIME-RELATED EDUCATION

 

MAPONY/NJ continues to support and encourage maritime-related education

• In coordination with the Working Harbor Cttee, we provided an on-water Harbor Tour for students of UASGC on May 19. In addition to the Working Harbor folks, we were also joined by representatives of AECOM (our own President, Kevin Corbett!), New York City Economic Development Corp, and Bethann Rooney of the PANY/NJ. The students enjoyed the day on the water, and hopefully learned how important waterborne transportation is for our Local, Regional, and National economy.
• The MAPONY/NJ Graduation Award for SUNY Maritime was presented on May 13, and the USMMA Award will be presented on June 17.

 

1. HEARINGS

 

On May 3, MAPONY/NJ attended a NYC City Council Committee on Waterfront hearing regarding the role of the Waterfront Management Advisory Board (WMAB). MAPONY/NJ is a member of the MAB. The Waterfront Committee is chaired by Councilwoman Debi Rose of Staten Island, with whom we have a good working relationship. The public hearing was well attended, and MAPONY/NJ testified in favor of the renewed activity of the WMAB, as well as expanding the size of the WMAB by three (3) additional members. It is expected that this initiative to amend section 1303 of chapter 56 of the City Charted will be adopted in an upcoming City Council meeting. The legislative text is Int. No. 507.

On May 2, MAPONY/NJ  attended a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)  hearing which discussed  proposed revisions pertaining to Solid Waste Regulations which are contained in Part 360 of the NYS Code. MAPONY/NJ is particularly interested in revising the regulations governing Navigational Dredged Material through NYSDEC’s Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) process. We hope that required revisions to the Code will lead towards the reduction of the burdensome costs related to the disposal of NDM, and therefore reduce the cost of dredging operations by effecting more reasonable solid waste beneficial use regulations in NYS. We will continue to follow this process. The public Comment Period will be open until July 15, 2016.

 

1. SHIP STATS-APRIL 2016

 

Our report of ship stats for April 2016 is appended hereto. Year-on-year comparisons show an increase of 5 for the month of April, and the year-on-year Jan-Apr results are up by 16. Hopefully our good trend continues!

 

1. MARACOOS ANNUAL MEETING

 

MAPONY/NJ attended the annual meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (MARACOOS) which was held in Annapolis, Maryland on May 12/13, 2016. EJK is a Director of this group, and as such, all travel expenses are paid by MARACOOS. The group is established under NOAA, and deals with coastal observations, and systems. The group deals with weather stations, current, wind, high-frequency radar, salinity, etc. Data is integrated into the USCG search-and-rescue models, and many navigational models and observing platforms. Our role is to ensure optimal results for commercial navigation within our region.

 

1. VIDA

 

We continue to work with our Vessel Discharge Coalition partners to have the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) enacted into law this year.  The VIDA would establish consistent national standards to be applied on a national basis, which would supersede the myriad state and/or local regulations currently causing confusion. VIDA legislation is currently attempting to be attached to MARAD amendments under the National Defense Authorization Act. Further progress is expected after Memorial Day.

 

1. MOORINGS

 

MAPONY/NJ submitted comments to the USACE in favor of the installation of additional harbor moorings to be used by NY State Marine Highway Transportation Co. The new moorings would be required to accommodate their new aggregate transport business. It is noted that moorings can be preferable to anchoring due to increased stability, and lesser impact on the bottom due to anchor strikes and dragging.

 

1. PORTS FUNDING

 

We are most pleased to have been advised that the PANY/NJ has entered into a contract with NOAA to fund the Physical Observing Real Time System (PORTS) for an additional four (4) years. PORTS is essential to safe navigation, and will be of increased importance as larger vessels begin to call in our Port.  

 

1. NJ TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AUTHORITY

 

MAPONY/NJ has been approached by the NJTPA to assist with their study to evaluate NJ regional waterborne transportation requirements and opportunities. We will meet with them to determine the scope of their study, and help them to identify and contact knowledgeable industry partners.

 

1. POSIDONIA 2016 WHITE PAPER

 

MAPONY/NJ created a brief white paper which is intended to highlight commercial maritime activity in NY/NJ, which will be included in the New York Maritime Inc. (NYMAR) presentation to be made at the POSIDONIA 2016 Exhibition to be held in Athens, Greece on 6-10 June, 2016. NYMAR is primarily composed of legal and financial service providers, and they are making a presentation to promote doing business in the NY/NJ Port area. For your ready reference, a copy of the MAPONY/NJ white paper is attached hereto.

 

1. MAPONY/NJ MISSION STATEMENT

 

At the April BoD meeting, it was decided to update our MAPONY/NJ Mission Statement to read as follows:

 

It is the mission of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ to serve the commercial maritime industry in the NY/NJ region by monitoring and disseminating data regarding vessel activity to its members and the public, to act as an advocate for the commercial maritime interests of the Port at the municipal, state, and federal level, and to promote the safety of navigation, the security of maritime assets, the protection of the marine environment, and the competitiveness of Port services.

 

1. WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR

 

NYC Economic Development Corp has announced the availability of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR product. Over the past several years, NYCEDC has worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the NYS Department of Environmental Protection, and many interested members of the maritime community (including MAPONY/NJ) to construct a website that will serve to assist persons seeking permits for waterfront property maintenance and/or construction to understand the complex requirements to obtain the requisite permits from the various regulating agencies. The website is rather concise and helpful in guiding a permit seeker through the necessary steps to obtain the proper permits. The website can be accessed at: waterfrontnavigator.nyc

 

Steering Cttee

 

1. RARITAN RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

• A presentation was made by NJ Transit to give an overview of the planned Raritan River Bridge replacement project. The NJT team made a powerpoint presentation intended to give a broad overview of the project and solicit comments from HOps members.
• The bridge under consideration is the Rail bridge spanning between Perth Amboy and South Amboy. The current bridge is over 100 years old, but was damaged in Sandy, and the new bridge would be designed to maximize resiliency. The current bridge is a “swing” bridge spanning a 300’ Federal navigation channel, but due to the center island, the bridge actually offers 2 X 125’ channels. There is an 8’ clearance in the down position, and a max 140’ clearance when up. The bridge is opened 4-5Xdayin most seasons, but an average of 14Xday in peak Summer season.
• NJT is now considering what type of replacement bridge most suitable (i.e: lift; swing; or bascule). They are soliciting advice to aid determination.
• Public meetings will be held in late Spring/Summer of 2016, with schedules to be advised. Permit applications will be made in 2017. NJT is about to initiate the required Environmental Assessment.
• HOps recommended a “lift” design because of the benefits of a single, non-obstructed channel, the opportunity to place lift machinery at a higher level, and the potential to offer faster, partial openings depending on air draft requirements.
• NJT would plan to construct the new bridge to the west of the existing bridge, and remove the old bridge when the new bridge is opened.
• HOps will meet with NJT again in order to develop operational procedures during construction/removal work.

 

2. WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR

• NYCEDC gave a presentation of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR website product which is designed to guide concerned parties through the complicated process of obtaining the proper requisite permits to do waterfront construction and/or repair.

• WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR is the product of several years work to identify, and categorize the permitting process in New York State and City. The need for this product was identified several years ago while developing the NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, and has required many meetings among waterfront stakeholders, and the several regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over these permit processes.

• A one page summary sheet is appended hereto for your ready guidance.

• This product was very well received by the HOps members.

3. USCG

• FLEET WEEK- will be held the week of May 23, and we are now expecting 18 ships, which will be berthing in Brooklyn, Staten Island, NYC, and Jersey City.

     The “usual” restrictions will be in force, with detail to be published by USCG.

• The USCG training vessel EAGLE will visit NY/NJ on August 5. More detail to follow.
• USCG expects to receive a request for a marine event permit from the folks who are promoting “Citizen’s Bridge”. This is a floating walkway that would be constructed across Buttermilk Channel between Brooklyn and Governors Island. This project had been “pitched” to HOps several years ago, and failed to win support. HOps will be involved should they actually file a permit. The “target date” is currently set for August 2017.
• BOEM has leased land off the South Shore of Long Island which may be under consideration for offshore wind development. We will watch for, and participate in any public meetings, and/or permit applications.
• Noted that there was a potential waterways conflict on the upper Hudson pertaining to protestors attempting to put kayakers in the water to block vessel traffic.
• Noted that USCG has received a petition to eliminate the RNA behind Liberty and Ellis Islands to allow vessel traffic. USCG will have a public notice period to receive comments.
• Noted that the Hudson River Anchorages petition is still under study in District 1
• AMERICA’s CUP is proceeding as planned with practice scheduled for May 6, and racing on May 7and 8. Depending on weather conditions the viewing area may have to be shifted. USCG and local authorities will be on hand to regulate and assist as needed.

 

4. USACE

• CHPE-noted that the CHPE Navigational Risk Assessment is being studied by USCG. Also noted that the same cable construction firm had experienced an anchor strike/drag and scouring in the San Francisco District. NY District will follow-up for more detail. HOps still strongly opposes the CHPE proposal to site the cable within the length of the navigational channel.
• The permit for the Carteret Marina has been issued with the stipulated “special requirements”.
• Discussed the application to place 4 barge mooring buoys in the area, and noted that the application to place 1 buoy near Ellis Island has been withdrawn.
• The NYC Ferry permit applications are OK, but no application was made for the initially considered 62nd St landing.
• There will be a public notice published pertaining to a proposed floating energy plant that would be located at the Brooklyn Navy yard, in Wallabout Bay.
• 50 foot channel-plan for late June work in the anchorage area, and Jersey City.
• USACE has received funding to remove derelict barge in Flushing Bay Creek, and now scheduling/contracting with operator.
• Still no solution in sight for the removal of El Jefe.

5. NOAA

• COOPS will be seeking input regarding the need for current forecasting/modeling in the Harbor. HOps will stand up a sub-committee to work with NOAA as needed.

 

6. PANYNJ

• PORTS will be funded through the year 2020
• The water siphon is scheduled for abandonment on May 12. Currently expected that dredging will commence mid-June, finished about 1 month later.
• PA berths will be dredged to remove approx 250K cu. yd. Work will be done between June and the end of 2016. Updates to come.
• PA will attempt to obtain approx $55 Million under provisions of WRDA 2016 legislation which will be used for dredging

 

7. NJDOT-MARINE RESOURCES

• Giving a grant to study navigational dredged materials
• MAPONY/NJ reported NYS DEC public hearing attended on May 2 which addresses changes to NYS regulations pertaining to solid waste, navigational dredged materials, and beneficial use disposition.

 

8. NYSA

• Advise that Hugh Marley was replacing Joe Bonney at the JOC with Joe relocating to NOLA
• Cautioned of a computer virus circulating.

 

9. T&B Cttee

• Advised that DHS is contacting harbor carriers to determine how to maximize maritime response capability during crisis.

 

10. MAPONY/NJ

• Reported on matters separately reported under MARITIME MATTERS.

 

FULL  Cttee

 

1. USCG

• FLEET WEEK- will be held the week of May 23, and we are now expecting 18 ships, which will be berthing in Brooklyn, Staten Island, NYC, and Jersey City.

The “usual” restrictions will be in force, with detail to be published by USCG. We are pleased to note that this year’s parade of ships will be led by 4 tugs from our local harbor.

• The USCG training vessel EAGLE will visit NY/NJ on August 5. More detail to follow.
• Noted that USCG has received a petition to eliminate the RNA behind Liberty and Ellis Islands to allow vessel traffic. USCG will have a public notice period to receive comments. The petition seeks to allow recreational and other small craft to proceed behind the Islands and avoid going into the commercial channels. USCG will seek public comment.
• Noted that the Hudson River Anchorages petition is still under study in District 1, and it is hoped that the petition will proceed smoothly. Public comment is encouraged to support this petition.
• AMERICA’s CUP proceeded as planned, and it was estimated that there were approx 175,000 spectators. USCG and other enforcement agencies were on hand to control vessel traffic, and there was no report of any adverse impact on commercial navigation.
• It was confirmed that the USCG Foundation Scholarship Golf Outing would be held on 22 May, 2016 at the South Shore Country Club. The event was a big success with over $20,000.00 raised to benefit scholarships for USCG dependents. McAllister Towing was the sponsoring organization for the event.
• Noted that July 6, 2016 would be the last day that CDR Moose would be working with Sector NY before moving to his new assignment at USCG NAVCEN in Alexandria, Va. All parties wished him success in his new position.
• CAPT Day advised that due to annual turnover in Sector NY, a meet-and-greet will be held on 9 Sept, 2016 at Sector NY to allow introductions and familiarization between the maritime community and “new” Sector NY personnel. More detail to follow.

 

1. USACE

• Discussed the application to place 4 barge mooring buoys in the area, and noted that the application to place 1 buoy near Ellis Island has been withdrawn. Public comment period is closed (MAPONY/NJ DID submit comments in favor of allowing the permit)
• The NYC Ferry permit applications are OK, but no application was made for the initially considered 62nd St landing. Public comment period will be announced soon.
• 50 foot channel-plan –removal of the water siphon is scheduled for 2 June, excavation will begin 15 June, and navigational clearance is expected by late July.
• USACE has received funding to remove derelict barges in Flushing Bay Creek, and now scheduling/contracting with operator. Removal is expected within 1-2 weeks.
• Maintenance work continues in Newark Bay, and East River near South Brothers Island.

 

1. PANYNJ

• PORTS will be funded through the year 2020
• PA berths will be dredged to remove approx 250K cu. yd. Work will be done between June and the end of 2016. Updates to come.
• PA will attempt to obtain approx $55 Million under provisions of WRDA 2016 legislation which will be used for dredging

 

1. NJDOT-MARINE RESOURCES

• Discussion of the ULCV simulation/training program. Noted that several pilots have visited US West Coast ports to ride ULCVs and discuss handling requirements with USWC pilots. Phase I of the training/simulation program will begin in June at MITAGS. Phase II will be to share training with ALL pilots.
• NJDOT is initiating a second contaminant reduction program with the intent of finding ways to reduce the cost of dredged material management.

 

1. NYSA

• Advised that Hugh Marley was replacing Joe Bonney at the JOC with Joe relocating to NOLA. (NOTE: EJK met with Hugh on 9 May, 2016 to make introductions and offer MAPONY/NJ coordination/information function)

 

1. NYCEDC

• Reported the release of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR joint permit application guide.
• Expanded NYC Ferry hearings will be scheduled. Further info at: www.citywideferries@edc.com

 

1. MAPONY/NJ

• Reported on matters separately reported under MARITIME MATTERS.

 

1. PRESENTATION-USCG-NAVCEN

• Representatives of USCG Navigation Center (NAVCEN) located in Alexandria reported on the function of the Center.
• NAVCEN handles such critical operations as: GPS; Nationwide Automated ID System (NAIS);Nationwide Differential GPS; Local Notice To Mariners; Long Range ID and Tracking (LRIT); US Aids to Navigation Information Management System; and the USCG Electronic Chart Portfolio Management function.
• Noted that CDR Elliot Moose will move from Sector NY to NAVCEN in July, 2016
• Further info available at: www.navcen.uscg.gov

 

1. PRESENTATION-NYS Marine Highway Transportation Co.

• Mr. Rob Goldman made a presentation describing the business plan of NYS MHT Co.
• Currently seeking 2 new moorings in Bay Ridge Flats anchorage area.
• Plan to use 20 inland hopper barges to move aprox 500,000 ts of aggregate over the course of a 5 year contract.
• Needs moorings to break down tows
• Moorings are located within the anchorage area, and may be considered preferable over anchoring due to predictability of location, security, and less bottom impact due to reduced dragging and anchor strikes.

 

1. Passenger Vessel Sub-Cttee

• Noted that due to increased incidence of “rail jumpers” a $5,000.00 fine has been issued to a “repeat offender”. Posters advising of the potential fines will be conspicuously posted.
• Discussion of incident where a heavily loaded canoe from a nearby Boathouse program which contained children was “flipped” by the wake of a tug/barge in Newtown Creek. Harbor Ops had previously advised against such operations.

 

1. Energy Sub-Cttee

• Report that the SFO pilots advised that a cable similar to that proposed for usage in the CHPE project was snagged by an anchor in SFO Bay. It was also found that the cable had been “scoured” and was uncovered. This incident should be considered in the USACE permit process.

 

1. Deep Draft Working Group

• Advised that revised deep draft guidelines will be published after siphon removal, and evaluation of the ULCV simulation project.

 

1. Tug & Barge Cttee

• Noted the Annual Meeting to be held on 11 May, 2016
• Noted that 4 local tugs will lead the Fleet Week parade of ships
• There will be an Informational Day on 2 June in Brooklyn.

 

NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD 15 JUNE, 2016.